All of my hose are from Gaelic Themes and have been wearing well. I got the brown as well KCW but mine seem more chocolate than those and heavier. I spoke to my supplier (all things tartan) and they reckoned all the darker tones- brown, charcoal,lovat blue/green etc.where of a heavier make than the lighter ones-stone,oatmeal etc. At least that's the case with their stock and what I've bought. I prefer the heavier hose anyway.
The brown's a good option btw. My main kilt is a green base so it's perfect.